No bad dogs, only bad owners?

Press, 1 August 1989, Page 10

No bad dogs, only bad owners?

By

JOHN INGLES,

a Christchurch

veterinarian '•

In the last few months the problem of dog attacks has come under scrutiny on television and in the popular press with numerous breeds being held culpable. It has come almost to the point where most breeds seemingly have some among their number with a malevolent streak.

Perhaps this reinforces the notion that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.

Behaviour of dogs is rarely the result of any one factor. Although, undoubtedly, male dogs have different genetic predispositions to behave agressively towards other male dogs and people, socialisation, training, and environmental stimuli also influence dogs’ attitudes.

The most important period in a dog’s life from

a behavioural viewpoint is from three to 12 weeks of age. This is the crucial socialisation period. It determines to a great extent a dog’s behaviour towards adults and children in later life.

When a family brings a dog into the household they essentially become members of that dog’s “pack.” Dogs try to become dominant members of this pack, just as they would have in the wild pack of their ancestors.

When this is achieved through poor socialisiation and training within the household then the dog can become a troublemaker, biting people without provocation, refusing to obey orders, and trying to dominate. Humans have a great advantage in the dominance stakes because they are physically bigger. If

dogs, however, are unduly pampered and allowed to win confrontations they will make a bid for “pack leadership."

Vets often see this in the toy breeds where their owners let their pets literally get away with “blue murder” because they are so small. This can present difficulties with treatment in the clinic when the spoiled pet tries to dominate proceedings.

So it is important that the human members of the pack — the owner — maintain dominance, by

not allowing the dog to win confrontations, by gentle punishment, patient training, and good control.

Severe punishment can be counter-productive. It is much more beneficial to use positive reinforcement such as praising the dog when he/she does the right thing, rather than punishing wrong behaviour.

Many dog owners, particularly those owning male dogs as opposed to bitches, find that while their behaviour with humans is beyond reproach, they tend to

fight with other male dogs. Many do not start to exhibit this undesirable trait until two or three years of age. Once again, .early social experience and socialisation experiences, breed, the presence of a bitch on heat, and defence of his territory will influence the dog’s attitude towards other males. Past success in fighting can also be a contributory factor in shaping the dog’s behaviour. Good control and socialisation prevents dogs getting into confrontational

situations from a very early age, and helps stop this undesirable behaviour.

If this is not effective and aggressive bahaviour persists, castration and/or drug therapy is recommended. Studies have shown that in 60 per cent to 70 per cent this is very effective. It also reduced roaming, urine marking on lamp-posts, and fences, and mounting behaviour. There is a good case for the castration of all male dogs that are not used for breeding. Traditionally people have been happy to have their bitch spayed, but blanche visibly at the suggestion of castrating their dog. A sexist attitude perhaps, or is it that until recently most vets have been male! Remember that dogs

tend to put on weight after castration, but careful attention to regular exercise and diet is all that is required to keep this under control. If owners are unwilling to take the irreversible step of castration, there is a chemical castrating drug available which does not have a permanent effect. Sometimes dogs which have previously been very placid in the company of humans and other dogs turn aggressive for no apparent reason. It is important to remember that there are a number of medical conditions which can lead to this. These include distemper virus, lead poisoning, back pain and brain tumours. Your vet will be able to tell if these are causing your dbg’s sudden behavioural change.